ICB's response to independent review of breast surgery at CDDFT

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) recognises that the governance review report for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), alongside the earlier Royal College of Surgeons review into breast services, marks a significant step in the Trust’s journey to improve care.

These reports set out serious failings in clinical governance, leadership, and culture that led to unacceptable variation in care and avoidable harm. The ICB’s priority has been, and remains, to ensure patient safety, transparency, and sustained improvement.

Working closely with NHS England and the Care Quality Commission, we have established robust oversight through a joint Breast Services Oversight and Delivery Group and continue to hold the Trust to account for delivery against its action plans. Patients and families affected by these failings have shown courage and deserve honesty and compassion in return. The ICB expects full candour, openness, and continuous communication as CDDFT rebuilds confidence and trust.

The appointment of new leadership at CDDFT provides a foundation for change. The ICB welcomes the Chief Executive and Interim Chair’s clear commitment to a culture of openness, learning, and accountability. We are supporting the Trust as it embeds governance and cultural reform, strengthens clinical leadership, and ensures that lessons are acted on across all services.

This marks a new era of accountability and improvement. The ICB will continue to balance constructive support with rigorous oversight to ensure the Trust delivers safe, high-quality care and demonstrates, through its actions, that it has learned from the past and is committed to a transparent future.

To view our Board meeting where this was discussed click here.